New York City widens smoking ban for “cleaner air”

New York City widens smoking ban for "cleaner air"

New York City officials voted 36-12 to enact a tough law that will expand a smoking ban to the city's beaches, parks and public places like Times Square. In 2003, a smoking ban was enforced in restaurants and bars in the city.

The city's smoking ban is now one of the most comprehensive in the United States. Los Angeles also bans smoking in parks and Chicago outlaws it in parks with playgrounds.

"This summer, New Yorkers who go to our parks and beaches for some fresh air and fun will be able to breathe even cleaner air and sit on a beach not littered with cigarette butts," said New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

He is expected to sign the bill within 20 days and then 60 days should elapse before the smoking ban takes into effect. About 14 miles of beaches, marinas, boardwalks and 1,700 parks will have smoking prohibited. Times Square and similar public places are also included in the ban.

Anti-smoking supporters lauded the decision by the city council.

"The statistics don't lie; Secondhand smoke kills," Council Speaker Christine Quinn said. "With this bill, all New Yorkers can now breathe easier and breathe cleaner air."

A quality-of-life summon will be handed down to a violator of the smoking ban, similar to what the city does for panhandling and public urination, which usually get penalties of less than $100 for each offense.

Councilwoman Gale Brewer said the smoking ban will be self-enforced, with residents rather than police warning others not to smoke in public places in New York City.

Posted by George Daniels on Thursday February 03 2011, 3:30 AM EST. Ref: AP. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0